About This Performance

The Leningrad premiere of Shostakovich’s Fifth, with its rip-roaring finale, was a huge success – the audience reportedly responded with a 30-minute ovation! It proved equally popular around the world and is now his most performed symphony.

On this evening of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, Mischa Maisky plays the Shostakovich First Concerto, widely considered to be one of the most difficult works for cello and orchestra. Its first performance was given by Maisky’s teacher, Mstislav Rostropovich – Maisky is the only cellist to have studied with both Piatigorsky and Rostropovich.

Part of the Piatigorsky International Cello FestivalA large contingent of the world’s greatest cellists will converge at USC to celebrate the Gregor Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. As part of this celebration, the LA Phil will present several special events, including a weekend of concerts in which each performance will feature a different piece with a different cello soloist.

Programs, artists, dates, prices and availability subject to change.

Upbeat Live: pre-concert talks

Saturday, March 17, 2012 - 7:00pm

Russell Steinberg

Russell Steinberg, composer, conductor and performer. Mr. Steinberg is the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, and is on the faculty at UCLA.

Enhance your concert experience with pre-concert talks!

Upbeat Live is an informative and engaging way to learn about the music before your concert. Renowned musicologists will take you through music theory, guided listening and the program's historical and cultural context. Plus, you'll hear interviews with guest artists and members of the LA Phil and participate in Q & A!

Upbeat Live pre-concert talks begin one hour before the following concert series: